ASEAN and Japan mark 50 years of collaboration, with Japan emerging as ASEAN’s latest Comprehensive Strategic Partner.
Tokyo, Japan – December 20, 2023 – ASEAN and Japan celebrated their golden jubilee, commemorating 50 years of a robust and enduring friendship. In 1973, Japan became the first external partner to formalize a partnership with ASEAN, setting the foundation for a strong economic and diplomatic alliance. Last year, Japan ranked as ASEAN’s fourth largest trading partner and second largest source of foreign direct investment.
The highlight of this milestone was the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit, where Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, and leaders from ASEAN member countries gathered. During the summit, a productive session took place, culminating in the adoption of the Joint Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, along with its Implementation Plan. This step will enable ASEAN and Japan to embark on new projects and outline a roadmap for collaboration over the next decade.
Japan has ascended to the status of ASEAN’s latest Comprehensive Strategic Partner in 2023, underscoring the depth of the relationship. The leaders emphasized the potential for cooperation in various sectors, such as investment, tourism, climate change, and the digital and green economies.
In the coming year, Singapore will take on the role of the country coordinator for ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations. Singapore pledges to play an active role in strengthening ties between ASEAN and Japan, fostering greater collaboration and mutual benefit.
Source – MFA
